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James understood his monumental streak of reaching double digits was in danger. When it mattered most, though, it was not his focus.

The right decision meant distributing the ball – so he did. Consequently, the unprecedented record was over.

James's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded during a recent game, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with eight total points in the Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer to win the game.

“Nothing,” James replied after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Choice Seals the Win

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the contest – while also extending the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to make the extra pass to his teammate in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James raised his arms immediately.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. Always make the smart play,” James explained. That is my M.O.. That is the way I was taught the game. I've played that way for two decades.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of his point total he's scored at any point,” stated the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done throughout his career.”

The Record's Final Moments

He returned to the floor one last time at just over five minutes left, the result and the streak on the line. At that stage, he had six points on 3 for 15 from the field then.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a shot at 1:01 left that might have pushed him into double figures.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball as time wound down, yet LeBron decided to make the pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you do it correctly, they often bless you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Monumental Run

The record began back in January 2007. It was easily the greatest such streak in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run with 575.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the sport. He had the opportunity but due to the player he is and his personality as a person, he chose the team play, dished to Hachimura and we won the game.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a guarantee early in the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had attained ten points entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two of those unusual games below ten points after three periods had happened in the last week: He had nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – yet he was celebrating anyway.

“I always just make the best play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. “You make the right play, the sports deities are always giving back to me.”